Taboo Motorsport had an up and down weekend at the 4th round of the British 125cc championship at Snetterton yesterday. With both riders boosted by the improved performance of their FRS kitted machines the scene looked set for the teams’ first points of the season.
With spots of rain falling as the riders headed onto the warm up lap, a 5 minute delay added to the pre race nerves. When the lights eventually went out both Dan Moreton and Michael Hill made good starts and entered the first corner having both made several places. Unfortunately the closeness of the 125cc series claimed a number of casualties including Taboo's younger rider Dan Moreton who found himself with nowhere to go mid way round turn one. When the rest of the field emerged Michael Hill was the only taboo rider left in the race and after dropping back to avoid the turn one crash he battled hard to bring his 125cc Honda home in 21st position after a race long battle with Nicole McAleer and Shaun Winfield.
After the race Dan reflected “I had my front wheel taken away, there was nothing I could Do'
Team Owner / rider Michael Hill added “I am gutted for Dan. He was (in my opinion) having his best weekend to date but that’s racing. I am confident that we can both take our new found confidence to the Mallory Park double header in two weeks time and open our 2008 scoring.“
The next round round of the BSB 125cc British Championship takes places at Mallory Park in Leicestershire in two weekends time.
For more information on becoming involved with TABOO Motorsport or for additional information on Michael or Dan please contact: press@michaelhillracing.com or call Michael Hill on 07837 937341.
Taboo Motorsport left the opening round of the British 125cc championship at Thruxton on a high yesterday after both riders displayed confidence and aggression in the 14 lap race. The teams’ newest rider, 17 Dan Moreton not only achieved his best ever grid position, but finished the event in a brilliant 16th position.
After an up and down weekend for the teams’ owner / rider Michael Hill, there was much to smile about. After starting a lowly 36th on the grid after problems compounded by a lack of confidence in the wet qualifying sessions, he fought race long to secure 17th at the flag just feet behind his young protégé meaning both riders missed out on Championship points by less than half a second.
Commenting after the race, Michael exclaimed: “This weekend has been a huge learning curve for us. Having had little pre-season testing I personally have struggled to find the best set up (especially in the wet) with the new engine. Pete Banks has worked hard as always over the winter and in the previous events but this weekend we had the added benefit of Aono and Watabe from our new engine supplier Frs in Japan in attendance. We have learned a lot in terms of the new engine set-up which we can take forward to the next round and for the rest of the season which is quite exciting. Regarding Dan’s performance I am over the moon with his result. He has fit into the team really well and I am confident that together we have an exciting season or two ahead of us. Dan will also soon be supplied with the latest FRS kit which together with the data gained this weekend will see us both challenging regularly for the top 15.”
The Taboo Motorsport team had its first successful race weekend of the season with Michael Hill and new signing Dan Moreton both finishing on the podium at the North East Championship round at Croft this weekend.
Following the official team launch on Friday the 28th March, Hill and Moreton took to the track to secure second and third places respectively on the grid during qualifying. They faced tough competition due to a strong field containing a total of six British 125GP riders.
The first race of the weekend was held in terrible weather conditions which caused Hill to pull out whilst running fourth place. His team-mate continued to finish in a fine third place.
A double podium was the outcome of the second race with Hill claiming second and Moreton third. The final race yielded a second for Hill and unfortunately a DNF for Moreton who after an incident involving another rider was forced to retire.
“I’m thrilled with how this weekend has worked out,” said Hill who also owns and manages the team. “It’s great to have Dan on board with Taboo Motorsport this season; I feel we are on for a strong year. The new kit is working perfectly and I can’t wait to get to Brands Hatch.”
After a successful shakedown test at Cadwell Park, TABOO Motorsport is all geared up for its official launch at Croft on March 28th. The team (consisting of Michael Hill and Dan Moreton for 2008) will unveil its new livery before completing a full day test at the Northern venue. Full Details and pictures will follow.
We are pleased to announce that for 2008 we will be supported by 'Dinked'. The North East based company will paint the team's fairings and work closely with the team should there be any mishaps during the season.
TABOO Motorsport wishes all supporters, sponsors, fans and race goers alike a safe and successful 2008!
On behalf of TABOO Motorsport I would like to wish everyone, sponsors, supporters and fans a great Christmas and a very prosperous 2008. See you all on track. Best Wishes from Michael Hill.
TABOO Motorsport's Owner / Rider Michael Hill recently returned from Barcelona where he met with the team's new 2008 engine supplier. He also met with the Managing Director of the team's new leather supplier in the Catalan capital.
"I am very encouraged and excited with the new associations that I have made ahead of 2008. We are working very hard behind the scenes to ensure that the entire team is in the best possible shape." commented Michael upon his return to the UK.
TABOO Motorsport will announce its new partners early in 2008.
Michael heads to Valencia for the final Moto GP on 1st November, 2007. He will not only work once again for Riders for Health but also meet the team's new leather supplier and hopes to negotiate a new engine supplier ahead of the 2008 season. More info to follow
With just one week to go until the climax of the British 125cc Championship, TABOO Motorsport's Michael Hill is optimistic of ending the season on a high.
"I have had a mixed season" commented Hill. "We have proved that we are capable of running consistently in the points and had I not had the unfortunate accident at Snetterton breaking two vertebrae, I am confident that we could have challenged for a top 10 overall finish in this years series.....but there is always next year!"
After running as high as 8th in free practice, Michael brought his TABOO Honda home in a respectable 17th place despite still nursing a broken 12th vertebrae.
Just 12 weeks following his horrific injury at Snetterton in which Michael broke 2 vertebrae, TABOO Motorsport makes an emotional return to the British Championship at Croft this coming weekend.
It is with great regret and sadness that I received the sad news that Guy Sanders, a competitor within the British Supersport Championship and a true friend to me lost his life yesterday evening following an accident at Mondello Park. My deepest condolonces go to Guy's family and to his team.
The season went horribly wrong in Round 5 when Michael suffered a freak accident breaking 2 verterbrae.
He is wearing a body cast and is expected to take up 12 weeks to be fully mobile again.
"To say I am gutted is an understatement. I am hoping for a comeback this year as a test ahead of my 2008 championship challenge"
Michael's run of good form (and luck) came to a halt with a crash in the 4th round of the 2007 British 125cc Championship at Oulton Park.
After a cautious 1st lap, Hill was steadily moving through the pack and in a battle for 14th when he was taken out by series wildcard James East.
'I am gutted' said a dejected Michael.
'The weekend was great up till the crash. I made an average start but once I settled in I was confident a points finish was on. James's attempt to outbrake me and Rhys Moller was lunacy in my opinion. A BSB race is not like a club race, you have a long time to pass people, but we all make mistakes. I am just glad that I am not injured. The bike has suffered some cosmetic damage but I am confident of being back in the points at Snetterton'.
Round 5 is at Snetterton on the 20th May.
Michael Hill proved that his 10th position in Round 2 of the British Championship was no fluke by taking a superb 13th at Silverstone yesterday.
After starting from 22nd on the grid the determined northerner who now lives in London rode aggressively to add another 3 points to his 2007 British Championship tally.
"I am over the moon" beamed Hill. "Yesterday afternoon was frustrating but I knew that once the race was on that I could run in the points. I was a bit cautious on the opening two laps but I am delighted to add more points to my tally"
The next round of the British Championship is at Oulton Park next weekend.
Michael powered the TABOO Motorsport Honda to a superb 10th position in the second round of the British Championship at Thruxton yesterday.
'I have felt good all weekend' exclaimed a jubilant Hill. The bike yet again was fast and reliabe so a big thanks to Pete Banks. Also Alan Green helped me loads with track advice. A big thanks to Colin too for giving me such accurate pit signals'.
Michael is now 14th in the championship with the next round in 2 weeks time at Silverstone.
After a solid start to the season Michael brought the TABOO Honda home in a respectable 19th place at the flag in the opening round of the 2007 British 125cc Championship at Brands Hatch.
"I lapped over 1.3 seconds faster per lap than last year and considering I only had about 90 laps at Croft in the freezing cold a few weeks ago its a good start. Pete Banks did another great job in giving me a reliable engine and I am confident of getting into the points at Thruxton this coming weekend as we have a lot of data from Brands." enthused Hill.
Michael will once again be providing exclusive audio coverage of the World Superbike Championship for www.superbike-news.com this season.
Check out the above site and click "Michael Hill Presents" to catch all the latest from the 3rd round of the 2007 series from Donington Park.
Michael made the perfect start to the 2007 season by taking convincing victories in the opening two rounds of the North East Club 125cc Championships and he now leads the championship by 8 points.
Michael and TABOO Motorsport will next be in action at the opening round of the British Championships in three weeks time.
Michael features in Chiswick's local glossy magazine 'The Green' this month.He talks about life in London and his hopes for 2007 both on and off the track.
May I wish all readers a Happy New Year! After a much needed holiday in Gran Canaria over Christmas, I am back in the UK and busy planning for what should be an exciting 2007. Full details of my plans will be announced very soon. Anyone wanting information about my 07 supporters club and sponsorship opportunities that I still have available please contact me on my new email address:
michael@michaelhillracing.com
With Christmas literally 14 days away I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone visiting my site a very 'Merry Christmas'. I would also like to thank everyone who has been involved with me and my racing this year. I look forward to an even better 2007. See you all then!!!
The season may be over for Michael Hill, but the 125cc rider heads off to Spain tomorrow to host a charity event as part of the final Moto GP at Valencia, Spain.
Michael, who is currently mixing his racing with presenting and broadcasting, has been asked to present the Day of Champions at the final round this weekend, and he hopes it will help him boost his profile as he aims to expand the team in 2007.
Michael Hill has once again joined the World Superbike circus for the final races in this years championship at Magny Cours in France. Working exclusively for www.superbike-news.com he will be reporting on the action both and off the track starting today with Supersport qualifying at 1.15pm european time.
The final round of the British 125cc GP Championship takes place at Brands Hatch this coming weekend. Upon completion of the event full details of Michael's 2007 season will be revealed.
Following on his audio commentary work for www.superbike-news.co.uk at the Italian and European rounds of the 2006 World Superbike Championship, Michael has made the trip to Assen to cover the 9th round of the series. He will also travel to Magny-Cours in France to cover the final round in October. For all the latest rider interviews plus coverage of qualifying and the races check out www.superbike-news.co.uk and click on WSB interviews.
With the weekend starting with the team's awning blowing away and destroying itself in the wind, Michael and the rest of the TABOO Motorsport team were over the moon with their second best finish of the year in 12th place at Croft.
"Pete Banks prepared the bike as always superbly and I ran top 20 all weekend" exclaimed Michael. "I made some changes in warm-up that worked and after the race Pete advised some areas we can improve on for Cadwell so I am really confident of points in the final three races too"
The next round of the British Championships are at Cadwell Park near Louth over the Bank Holiday weekend.
After overcoming all kinds of problems in qualifying to obtain 21st on the grid, Michael rode an impressive race to finish back in the points in 14th.
'This result is probably the best dry race I've had this year. After what should have been 4 point scoring races in a row it's good to be back in the points. I am just looking forward to the rest of the season and to Croft in 3 weeks especially' said a delighted Hill after the race.
After securing his second best qualifying position of the year Michael made a dreadful start which saw him 28th at the end of lap 1. Some aggressive and hard moves saw him into the points by lap 11 only for his chain to snap in the battle for 12th.
'Im annoyed that this is the second race in a row that good points were on the cards but again the DNF was out of my hands. At least I have proved that I have race pace to be in the points and my target is to finish top 15 in the remaining 5 races' commented Hill after the race.
Round 9 of the series returns to Oulton Park this coming week.
After spending two days hosting the main stage at the British GP, Michael is pleased to announce that Riders for Health raised in excess of £197,000.
'It was a fantastic experience for me' exclaimed Michael after returning to the paddock area.
Michael will be back in action in the British 125cc Championship which heads to Knockhill next weekend.
After being invited by Louise Cain (Vitesse PR) and Frank Duggan (superbike-news.com) to attend the World Superbike event in Misano last weekend, Michael's live grid audio can now be heard on www.superbike-news.com
Michael will be joining them again at the Brands Hatch and Assen World Superbike events and we will bring you more information as we have it.
We are pleased to announce that Michael will be fronting the main stage at the forthcoming Moto GP for the Riders for Health charity. This year sees the inaugural running of the Riders stage over the entire GP weekend. Like on the 'Day of Champions' the stage area will see competitions, GP/BSB and World SBK rider interviews, quizzes, auctions of rider memorabilia as well as a few surprises. Please pop along and support Michael and the Riders for Health charity next weekend in what promises to be a fantastic British GP, both on and off track.
After claiming his best ever British Championship grid position in 18th, Michael's excellent Snetterton form was cut a premature halt on lap 3 when he was taken out while battling for a points position. With a smashed seat held on by one bolt, Hill rejoined the race in 37th and battled through the field to finish 22nd.
'I am gutted' said a dejected Hill shortly after the race. 'The bike has been awesome, Pete Banks has done another excellent job and I was riding with so much more confidence. I just have to take all the positives and look forward to Knockhill in mid July.'
Michael Hill and his TABOO Motorsport team are pleased to announce that Kingswood Group Ltd is joining the team for the remainder of 2006.
Based in Swindon, the company specialise in the transformation of local authority properties for residents taking up the ‘right to buy’ their council houses. Kingswood Group also provides a full portfolio of services including giving help and advice with completing your ‘right to buy’ application, to mortgage solutions even if you have CCJ’s or have experienced financial difficulties in the past.
Kingswood group are no stranger to the BSB paddock. They are already heavily involved in the British Championships supporting R6 Championship leader Matt Whitman and 125cc competitor Jack Groves.
Team Principal and Rider Michael Hill had this to say:
‘Having Kingswood Group Ltd on board for the remainder of 2006 is fantastic for me and for the growth of TABOO Motorsport. They are a company that is not only passionate about the sport but also keen to bring on new British talent which is something that TABOO Motorsport has an empathy with’
Michael and the team experienced mixed fortunes at Mallory Park yesterday. After coming to a halt after 100m when his chain jumped a sprocket, Hill raced superbly to take 15th and yet another British Championship point on the line in the final lap. 'Qualifying was business as usual and I was looking forward to two solid races. Race 1's incident was unfortunate but as a team we are learning all the time and I am over the moon to give the guys behind the scene another points finish' beamed Hill after Race 2.
The series moves to Snetterton in two weeks time.
After an encouraging first day of practice wher Michael was running in 9th place, Saturday saw the team struggle a bit with suspension resulting in 27th on the grid. 'I found it hard to get a rhythm in first qualifying but we seemed to find our way a bit more in the later session.'
The race was cancelled along with the whole BSB event due to extreme weather conditions. 'It's frustrating not to race as I am confident that wet or dry we could have added to our points tally' commented Michael.
Michael continued his good run of form today with another strong points finish, claiming 14th at the flag at Oulton Park. 'Pete Banks has done another great job in preparing the bike and ensuring that I had a competitve bike today' commented Hill. 'I lapped faster than ever and equalled my best qualifying position so I am over the moon.' Round 5 of the series heads to Southern Ireland in 3 weeks.
Bank Holiday Monday saw Michael continue his impressive run of form by claiming 18th at Thruxton. Despite suffering major mechanical problems on day one, his team with the help of Pete Banks and James Ford rebuilt the bike which would see Michael set personal best lap times at the Hampshire circuit. 'I'm a bit disappointed after Donington' commented Michael but in view of the problems I am happy to secure another top 20 finish.'
Michael Hill overcame awful conditions and suspension problems in qualifying to claim a career best 8th at Donington Park yesterday. Starting 32nd on the grid Michael clawed his way into the top 15 by lap 5 to finish 8th at the flag. 'To say I am delighted is an understatement. Pete Banks, Rick and Roz have worked really hard and to repay them with a top ten in Round 2 is great! I can't wait for Thruxton now' said a delighted Hill.
Michael and the team had an encouraging start to their British Championship season yesterday. After running as high as 14th in practice, Michael overcame diffcult conditions to finish 21st at the flag. 'We made good steps forward with the bike and I can't wait for Donington in 2 weeks' exclaimed Michael
Michael continued his impressive pre-season form by posting the 9th fastest time in the recent BSB test at a cold and windy Snetterton. Having being placed 4th on day one Michael continued to adapt to the machine he will use for the 2006 British 125cc Championship.
Michael Hill took to a damp and windy Croft circuit yesterday for his first scheduled test. Completing 41 laps he ended the test just short of his personal best laptime set last year.
'It's very encouraging as the track was damp and there was standing water at a lot of places' exclaimed Michael.
His next and final test is the BSB test at Snetterton next weekend.
Michael and the team are pleased to announce that Paula Michelle Ltd will be joining the team for 2006. With clients nationwide, this small interior design consultancy based in Berkshire specialise in the design of living spaces and domestic interiors.
'It's great to welcome Paula Michelle to the team. I'm hoping to promote them in a very professional way' exclaimed Michael earlier today.
We are pleased to announce that NGK Spark Plugs have confirmed their continued assistance for 2006. 'I am very happy that they have decided to continue to assist me. It's an association that I have had since I began racing and I am happy that it will continue into the new season.' commented Michael.
We are pleased to announce that all 13 races of the British 125cc Championship will be shown on SKY SPORTS in 2006 and 2007. In an official statement from Dorna UK this morning, the new TV package will bring what has to be one of the most exciting race series into the homes of road racing fans worldwide.
Michael and TABOO Motorsport would like to wish everyone a Happy and Successful 2006.
We are pleased to announce the official BSB British Championship calendar. Full details of the events including the official MCRCB tests can be found in the Events Calendar section.
Michael and everyone contected with TABOO Motorsport would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and fantastic 2006.
We are pleased to announce the launch of the 2006 TABOO Motorsport Supporters Club. The club launched in 2004 has been totally re-vamped providing greater value for money and a unique insight into being part of a British Championship team. Further details along with a printable membership form can be found within the 'supporters club' section of the site.
We look forward to welcoming you in board for what looks being an exciting season!
We are pleased to announce our provisional British Championship calendar. Further events including pre-season testing will be added once we have them confirmed. For more information on Michael and the team including 2006 sponsorship options please contact michael@taboomotorsport.co.uk
We are pleased to announce that Michael will be resident at the International Motorcycle Show at the NEC, Birmingham from Monday 31st October to Sunday 6th November. He will be working with TABOO's newest sponsor 'Moto-Events Ltd', who organise package tours to both Moto GP and World Superbike events. In addition it is hoped that Michael will be on hand to meet supporters and discuss his plans for 2006.
Michael will be working with Moto - Events at the upcoming motorcycle show at the NEC in Birmingham. Full details to follow.
Michael Hill proved his critics wrong with an excellent display throughout the final championship event at Brands Hatch. Hill's number one machine was ridden by another rider and after qualifying 32nd (on a standard machine but ahead of his new team mate!) Hill looked like securing the final points position of 15th until on the penultimate lap he slid off at Druids Hairpin. 'To say that I am gutted is an understatement' commented Hill after the race. 'All weekend I've lapped faster than I ever have (at Brands) on a completely standard machine. I was riding hard in the race and was closing on 14th when I went down.' Hill remounted to finish in 17th place his best British Championship position of the year!
The penultimate round of the British 125cc Championship at Donington Park proved to be a difficult one for Michael. After successfully running in a new engine he suffered a machine problem on his number one bike meaning he had to contest the remainder of qualifying on his standard spare machine. The team battled into the early hours to swap parts but a foot injury sustained during final qualifying and the warm up were enough for medical officer Toby Branfoot to declare him unfit for the race. 'What promised to be such a good weekend has turned into a disaster' exclaimed Hill. 'The team worked hard to try to improve the bike to give me a better chance but the injury to my foot meant I couldn't change gear properly.'
The final round of the series is at Brands Hatch in two weeks.
The latest round of the British 125cc Championship was held in mixed conditions at Oulton Park. After an impressive practice start that saw Michael 13th on the leaderboard, he endured numerous machine problems which resulted in him finishing 25th at the flag. 'I am a bit frustrated after such a promising start' commented Michael. 'However, that's racing, and looking at the positives, my race lap times were much quicker than before so thats encouraging.' Michael will use a new engine for the next round of the series in two weeks time.
'It is with great regret and sadness that I have to say that Chris Jones (a competitor in the 125cc race at Cadwell Park) passed away this morning. I had only recently got to know Chris but in the short time that I knew him, he became a good friend and was always supportive of my own racing ambitions. My thoughts and prayers are with Chris's family and friends and the Red Bull Rookies Honda team at this sad time!'
After taking his best ever BSB qualifying position (25th), Michael had another strong race at Cadwell Park. 'I was running in the top 20 and it was a good race' exclaimed Michael. 'I had a few moments, including smashing my screen over the mountain and then outbraked myself at the chicane on the last lap, but that's racing. I'm pleased to be finishing races and I getting closer to the points everytime so thats encouraging!' Michael crossed the line in 22nd position.
We are pleased to announce that Moto Events are joining the team.
The company who specialise in tours to both World Superbikes and MOTO GP will sponsor Michael for the remainder of 2005 and into 2006. Adam Lingard of Moto Events had this to say: 'We are pleased to be involved with supporting a rider and team who we regard as an upcoming talent with excellent prospects.' You can check out the official Moto Events website by clicking the link in the Sponsors section.
Electrical problems in qualifying saw Michael starting the recent British Championship event from 26th on the grid. His machine suffered similar problems 3 laps into the race. 'It's a bit annoying as I am now feeling a lot more confident' said Michael 'But at least its another finish and we going in the right direction.' Michael ended the race in 21st place and is looking forward to the next event at Cadwell Park this coming Bank Holiday weekend.
Michael's number 19 Honda was photographed for the upcoming Riders for Health calendar. It features along with the machines of Jay Vincent and other top names. All profits go towards the charity.
Whilst at the Brands Hatch World Superbike meeting last weekend Michael was asked to give his analysis of the days events on Channel 4's highlights programme. 'It was great experience for me and can only be good for building my profile' enthused Michael. 'Workin in TV or Radio within the sport is something that i am really keen on doing in addition to actually racing!'
Michael could also be heard providing comments over the weekend with resident circuit commentators Fred Clarke and Larry 'Scoop' Carter.
Michael can be heard being interviewed by crash.net's Lousie Cain about his season to date. Hear the full interview at www.crash.net
Michael will be making a guest appearance at X - Mens clothing in Vauxhall, London, on Saturday 30th July, 2005. The event is the first open day for the outlet who are new sponsors of Michael and TABOO Motorsport this year.
Michael was once again invited to attend the annual Day of Champions on the Thursday prior to the British GP.
'It's great to be involved with the best riders in the world, raising money for such a worthy cause' he reflected. Michael is planning to attend another charity event at the Grand Prix of Valencia at the end of the season and we will bring you more news when we have it.